THE ROMANCE OF NATURAL HISTORY. 



It is observable that after all this short-lived 

 splendour has passed away, and the trees have 

 become leafless, in Canada and the Northern 

 States, there always occur a few days of most 

 lovely and balmy weather, which is called the 

 Indian summer. It is characterised by a peculiar 

 haziness in the atmosphere, like a light smoke, by 

 a brilliant sun, only slightly dimmed by this haze, 

 and by a general absence of wind. It follows a 

 short season of wintry weather, so as to be iso- 

 lated in its character. One circumstance I have 

 remarked with interest,— the resuscitation of in- 

 sect life in abundance. Beautiful butterflies swarm 

 around the leafless trees ; and moths in multitudes 

 flit among the weeds and bushes, while minuter 

 forms hop merrily about the heaps of decaying 

 leaves at the edges of the woods. It is a charm- 

 ing relaxation of the icy chains of winter. 



Latrobe has depicted the aspect of the same 

 season in the Alps, which may be compared with 

 the American: — 



"On my arrival [at Neufchatel at the beginning 

 of November], the vintage was over, and the 

 vineyards, lately the scene of so much life and 

 gaiety, now lay brown and unsightly upon the 

 flanks of the mountain and border of the lake. 



has passed away before the other two have scarcely begun to 

 fade. Indeed, the glossy green of the beech is perhaps more ef- 

 fective than if it partook of the general change ; and even the 

 gloomy blackness of the resinous trees, by relieving and throw- 

 ing forward the gayer tints, is not without effect. This beauty 

 is not shewn to equal advantage every year; in some seasons 

 the trees fade with very little splendour, the colours all partaking 

 more or less of dusky, sordid brown ; early frosts seem to be un- 

 favourable for its development : and even at its best it is a mel- 

 ancholy glory, a precursor of approaching dissolution, something 

 like the ribbons and garlands with which the ancient pagan 

 priests were accustomed to adorn the animals they destined for 

 sacrifice. 



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